New Delhi: A new study published in the journal Human Reproduction has found tiny plastic particles called microplastics in human reproductive fluids. These include ovarian follicular fluid in women and seminal fluid in men, both vital for conception. The discovery raises questions about how microplastics might affect fertility and reproductive health.
Researchers tested samples from 29 women and 22 men. They found microplastics in most of the women’s ovarian fluid samples and more than half of the men’s semen samples. The plastics identified were common types used in everyday products, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
In the women’s ovarian fluid, PTFE was the most common plastic found, followed by PP, PET, polyamide (PA), polyethene (PE), polyurethane (PU), and polystyrene (PS). In men’s semen, PTFE was also the most frequent, with PS, PET, PA, and PU appearing less often.
To prevent contamination, samples were collected and stored in glass containers and carefully cleaned before being analysed using laser direct infrared microscopy.
Lead researcher Dr. Emilio Gomez-Sanchez said,
"Previous studies had already shown that microplastics can be found in various human organs. As a result, we weren’t entirely surprised to find microplastics in fluids of the human reproductive system, but we were struck by how common they were – found in most of the women and more than half of the men we studied."
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres. They are known to harm the environment and may pose risks to human health. Although this study did not directly measure how microplastics affect fertility, their presence in reproductive fluids highlights the need for further research.
Dr. Gomez-Sanchez explained,
"What we know from animal studies is that in the tissues where microplastics accumulate, they can cause inflammation, DNA damage, and hormonal problems. It’s possible they could harm egg or sperm quality in humans, but we don’t have enough proof yet."
The research team plans to expand their study to more people, collecting information about their lifestyles and environmental exposures. They also want to explore whether microplastics affect the quality of eggs and sperm.
He added,
"There’s no need for alarm at this point. Microplastics are just one of many things that might affect fertility. But it’s smart to try to reduce exposure. Simple things like using glass containers for food or drinking less from plastic bottles can help."
Professor Dr. Carlos Calhaz-Jorge, Immediate Past Chair of ESHRE, commented,
"Environmental factors do affect reproduction, though they’re hard to measure. Finding microplastics in most follicular fluids and over half of the semen fluids is important. While we don’t fully understand the impact yet, this is another reason to reduce plastic use in daily life."
This study highlights a new way that plastic pollution might affect human health. While more research is needed, reducing plastic exposure is a sensible step for anyone concerned about fertility.